5 Simple Tips for Protecting Your Privacy Online

Published 9 March 2018 - 11:44am

Online privacy is an increasing concern for many internet users. Stories of cybercrime have always been around, but now they’re also being added to by worries about the way ‘big data’ companies track people across the web, and the sometimes creepy ways they use the information they collect. What can you do to help keep your privacy intact?

1) Update Your Software

Whether you’re using apps on a smartphone or traditional software on a laptop, it pays to keep them up to date. Security holes are discovered in software packages all the time, but updating will apply security patches to keep your data as safe as possible.

2) Use Strong Passwords

The average person has many online accounts covering all aspects of their lives, from email to social media to banking. It’s extremely important to choose strong passwords that aren’t easily guessed, but also different passwords for each account. If you use the same password repeatedly, and a hacker guesses it or a company’s database is compromised, losing the privacy on one account can quickly spread across your entire online life.

This can make keeping track of passwords difficult, but there are apps and software packages available for every major platform to help you securely store your passwords and access them as needed.

1Password is a fantastic app to keep a log of all your passwords and log in credentials. The only password you need to remember is the one password to access the vault, it really is as simple as that!

3) Use Two-Factor Authentication

Most services now allow you to set up two-factor authentication. This is the slightly complicated way of describing a simple security measure that’s very effective. Instead of relying on a simple username and password combination to secure your account, you also supply a second (or third) security detail such as a mobile number. This extra piece of information is needed before you or a hacker can make any major changes to your account, helping you to stay in control.

4) Use HTTPS

If a website asks you for any sensitive information, make sure it’s using a secured, encrypted connection when the data is transmitted. You can recognise this by the website address starting with https://, or by a padlock symbol in your browser. There’s no excuse nowadays for a website not to use this technology, so be very suspicious of any site that doesn’t.

5) Be Wary of Public WiFi

Lastly, be very careful about using private accounts over public WiFi systems, even if they seem to be encrypted. When you do this you’re putting your trust in the network owner that their security is up to scratch, and that no suspicious people are listening in.

Security is a major concern for today’s online societies, but even these few simple changes can make a huge difference to the privacy of your data. Hackers and cyber criminals will always go after the easiest targets, so make sure you’re not one of them.

Contact Us

Useful Software

Remote Support

Nexus is like my fifth emergency service! I have their number logged into my phone and would not be without them. We have been using Nexus to sort out our IT emergencies for the past 4 years and can not praise them highly enough. No job is too small and you are always made to feel welcome and a valued customer whenever you ask for help. The staff are very friendly and will go that extra mile to help you. In addition, they know what they are doing and provide a fast, efficient and competent service. Their customer service is second to none and you feel safe in their hands. It is really appreciated by those of us who really don’t know much about IT.

Jo Starling

Having used Nexus for the last 2 years I would absolutely recommend them. They go above and beyond to fulfil my requests, always on time and to budget. These guys are a quality outfit to support my growing business needs and they provide some incredibly useful IT support when I need it the most.

Ben Martin

I’ve been using NEXUS’s services for the last 6 years and I would like to point out the following features of their way doing business: readiness to help; quick response; personal approach; target-oriented and high-qualified experts. Would recommend them to everyone who is looking for professional IT services.

Elena Naydenova

Dan is an extremely knowledgeable expert in the field of IT solutions and consultancy. Always on hand should an IT issue rear it’s head, he is the first to recommend a solution and works hard to achieve results in the most expedient way. He is a very personable, trustworthy guy who you feel is a true part of your team.